The minor saffron is a Sardinian-Corsican endemic. It grows in dry grasslands and in thorny shrubs formations, from sea level to about 1300 m. The species sporadically appears in the outer belt of the Sardinian temporary ponds. The bulb is poisonous. The genus name derives from the Greek 'krokos' (filament) in allusion to the long thread-like stigmas that in the case of C. sativus, once dried constitute the spice called saffron; the species name refers to the small size of the flowers. Flowering period: March to May.

Italian name(s): Croco minimo (Italia), Zafferano minore (Italia).